Summary: Despite recent rain the Mirror Complex, comprised of the Slate and Murdock fires, are showing unusual fire behavior given the fall season. In total, the Complex is 1,595 acres and 17% contained.

The Murdock Fire is the more active of the two fires in the Complex. It is 983 acres and 50 percent contained. Steady wind and dry conditions are helping the fire move in a north-northeast direction. It is consuming dead and down timber along a steep, rocky inaccessible ridge west of the Duchesne River, and north of Little Dear Creek. Firefighter are taking actions to keep the fire south of the Murdock Basin Road (Forest Road 157) on the west flank and north of the Little Dear Creek on its south flank. Thus far, the Duchesne River is holding the fire on its east flank. Firefighters’ are taking actions to protect campgrounds, a Boy Scout Camp, guard station and other recreational structures in the Mirror Lake area where the Mirror Lake Complex gets its name.

On the less active 612 acre Slate Fire that is 11 percent contained, two experienced hand crews are constructing hand line on the north flank to keep the fire from moving north into the South Fork of the Weber River. This work should take a couple days to complete. Firefighters are constructing the containment line to prevent the fire from moving north towards the Weber River Communities, approximately 10 miles away. A one-acre spot northeast of Upper Yellow Pine Lake is burning itself out in an aspen stand. Firefighter are watching it due to inaccessibility. It poses no threat to resources or infrastructure.

Weather: Very dry and windy conditions will promote downslope fire spread. This spread will most likely occur on east facing slopes that are more exposed to gusty winds. High temperatures will reach the 50’s on both fires. The wind will be out of the west and northwest at 5-10 mph, gusts will be in the 20’s.

National Forest Trail and Road Closures are in place.
Murdock Fire: A temporary area closure is in place. The closure begins at the Murdock Basin road (Forest Service road#137) two miles up from Utah State Highway 150 at the staging area, Forest Service road #137, Forest Service road #027, and ATV Trail #304.

Slate Fire: Yellow Pine Trail (Trail #240) is closed. Smoke may be visible from Highway 40 and Highway 150 around the Slate Creek and Yellow Pine areas, especially in the late afternoon.